Crops Affected: Berries, vegetables, corn, grains, and tree fruits including apple, pear, apricot, cherry, and plum

States Affected: All states

Life Cycle: The most prevalent stink bug species is the Consperse stink bug. In April, they become active, feeding on broadleaf weeds as well as crops. Females lay eggs on host plant leaves, and some stink bugs move into orchards upon spring emergence, leading to fruit damage from feeding nymphs. Initially, their eggs are pearly white but later turn pink. Nymphs go through five stages of development. Multiple generations overlap each season. Adults overwinter under weeds on the orchard floor or in protected areas outside, like brush piles or bin stacks.

Damage: Stink bugs cause crop damage through direct feeding on the fruit. Feeding during the early season creates dimples or irregular depressions on mature fruit. When feeding occurs after maturity, there may be minimal external evidence, except for small, brown, tear-shaped excrement droplets. Internally, stink bug feeding leads to the development of white, pithy areas that turn brown when the fruit is peeled, concentrated near the stem end of the fruit.

Season to Trap: April to October

How To Use: Hang trap with attached lure at shoulder height near at risk or affected crops. Replace lures every 30 days through the season, and replace traps when 70% saturated. Adult males are attracted to the pheromones in the lure and the color of the traps in this kit. Once they land on the sticky trap, they become ensnared, never to mate or lay eggs again.

Additional IPM Solutions: Avoid practices that destroy or disrupt native beneficial insects. Remove weed host plants inside and around the orchard. Avoid mowing cover crops or weeds when stink bugs are present to prevent them from migrating to the trees. Implement trap crops and row covers as additional control measures.